Alternatives to Liam

Also spelt Loomis, this locational English surname comes from Lomax (Lumhalghs), near Bury in Lancashire. Beyoncé's maternal grandfather, Lumis Albert Beyincé, is a notable bearer of the name.

Malcolm is a warm and welcoming Scottish appellation (originally Mael-Colium) that fits into that golden circle of names that are distinctive but not at all odd. A royal name in Scotland, Malcolm is also a hero name for many via radical civil rights activist Malcolm X.

With Liam at the top of the boys' popularity list, parents might discover the still-rare Niam. A name with various origins, Niam can be a Hindi name, deriving from the word niyam meaning "rule" or "law"; an Arabic name - often used on girls - meaning "blessings" or "given by God"; and an Irish name, an form of Niamh.

Ollin is a masculine name with Nahuatl (Aztec) origins meaning 'movement' or 'motion.' In Aztec culture, Ollin was a day sign in the calendar representing earthquakes, symbolizing transformative change and dynamic energy. This rare name carries strong cultural connections to Mesoamerican heritage while offering a concise, distinctive sound. The simplicity of Ollin makes it accessible across language barriers despite its uncommon status. The name has seen limited but increasing usage in the United States, particularly among families honoring Mexican or indigenous cultural traditions. Ollin's powerful meaning related to movement and transformation makes it appealing to parents seeking a name with both cultural depth and contemporary feel.

Too tied to those well-publicized twins.

The short, cute Pim is a Top 100 boys' name in The Netherlands though little-known outside that country. But in a family overrun with Williams, Pim could make an original nickname setting a modern child apart from father Will and grandpa Bill.

A really unusual choice that could be used to honor Grandpa Will.

Quinn is an engaging Celtic surname that is still on the rise for girls but beginning to flag for boys. As a female name, Quinn is in the Top 100, used for over 3000 baby girls last year, but toward the bottom of the Top 500 for boys, given to 700 baby boys.

Ryan’s use as a given name was inspired by the surname Ryan, a variation of the Irish O’Riain meaning "son of Rían." Rían is composed of the Irish-Gaelic elements rí, meaning "king" and an, a diminutive suffix. Ryan is considered a unisex name in the US, where variant spellings Ryann and Ryanne are also valid for girls.

Sam has long been used on its own for boys, as accepted standing by itself as it is as a short form of Samuel. Straightforward and down-to-earth, Sam is the name of the son of the co-stars of The Americans, Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys. Sam is one of the most popular names that start with S in the Western world, ranking higher in several European countries than it does in the US, where it's trended downward since the 19th century, though it's always been in the Top 1000.

Tilian is a modern masculine name with possible roots in various origins. It may be a variation of Tillian or derived from elements like 'til' meaning 'to strive or fight' in Germanic languages. The name could also relate to Tilly (a diminutive of Matilda) with the masculine suffix -an added. Tilian has gained some contemporary usage, particularly appealing to parents seeking a unique name with a soft yet strong sound. In popular culture, Tilian Pearson is known as the lead vocalist for the American post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance, which may contribute to the name's modern appeal. The name carries connotations of uniqueness and individuality.

A contemporary reconfiguration of Tyler, although perhaps too close to Tylenol to warrant greater popularity. It nevertheless grew in popularity in 2023 and has been borne by actor Tylen James Williams, and music artist Young Thunder (Tylen Fowlkes).

A spelling that would definitely attract a lot of attention -- and a certain amount of confusion as well.

Villem is a masculine name of Estonian and Finnish origin, functioning as the local variation of William. The original Germanic name Willahelm combines 'wil' (will, determination) and 'helm' (helmet, protection), conveying the meaning of 'resolute protector' or 'determined guardian.' While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Villem has maintained steady usage in Estonia and appears occasionally in Finland and other Baltic regions. The name offers an interesting international variation on the extremely popular William, sharing its strong etymological roots while providing a distinctive sound and appearance. Villem's two-syllable structure gives it a concise, strong quality while retaining connections to a name with extensive historical significance across European royal and cultural history.

Will has definitely replaced Bill, not only as a nickname for William but as a stand-alone name as well, partly thanks to England's Prince William, also known as Wills. Currently outside the Top 1000 in the US and the UK, it wouldn't feel totally out of style.

William is one of the most enduring of classic names for boys. It's also among the most popular boys' names, as American parents see it as being ideally conservative yet contemporary, and hands-down the most popular baby name beginning with W of all time.

Sounds like the name of a new synthetic fabric.

Western novelist Zane (born Pearl!) Grey made this name famous. Now, it's in tune with the style of our times, retaining that appealing cowboy image.